12th November 2026

A Horrible Place

"And these will go away into everlasting punishment,

but the righteous into eternal life."

Matthew 25:46

Reading: Luke 16:19–31.

The passage before us, is among the most solemn in all the Scriptures. In Luke 16, the Lord Jesus tells of a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. Both died, but their eternal destinies were very different. Lazarus was carried to Abraham's bosom (for the Jews, a picture of Heaven), while the rich man found himself in torment in hell (v 23). This is one of the Lord's parables—or, as some understand it, a true account of two men and their eternal destinies. Either way, the message is unmistakably clear: Hell is a dreadful reality.

The rich man was conscious, could see, hear, feel, and remember. He cried, "I am tormented in this flame" (v 24). There was no escape and no second opportunity. The Lord Jesus spoke more about Hell than anyone else in Scripture, and we must take His warnings seriously. Why, then, do people reject the truth about Hell?

First: Rationalism:- Human reason is placed above God's revealed Word. People say, "I will only believe what I can understand." But God's truth does not depend upon our acceptance. “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom 3:4). The rich man's unbelief did not make Hell less real.

Second: Ridicule:- Some mock the doctrine of Hell, treating it as outdated or foolish. But there is nothing humorous about eternal judgement. The rich man was not laughing in Hell; he was pleading for mercy (V 24).

Third:  Religion:- Others trust in good works, religious ceremonies, or personal morality. But religion cannot save. Jesus said, "He who believes on the Son has everlasting life" (John 3:35). Salvation is found in Christ alone.

Fourth: Redeemer:- Here is our hope! God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save sinners. At Calvary, He bore the punishment we deserved. He died, was buried, and rose again in victory. Hell is real, but so is God's mercy. The only refuge from judgement is the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is the Redeemer of sinners.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me; help me to faithfully warn others. In Your name. Amen.